The Election Commission warns candidates for Bangkok and Pattaya elections to carefully verify disqualifying qualifications. It points out that knowingly violating these and still running risks up to 10 years in prison plus long-term disqualification from office.
On 15 May 2026 in Chonburi province, Lt. Col. Phaskorn Siripakkayaporn, Deputy Secretary-General of the Election Commission (EC), updated on the progress and cautions for the Bangkok and Pattaya elections. He stressed that prospective candidates must thoroughly check their qualifications and disqualifying factors to avoid severe criminal penalties. The EC approved holding the elections on Sunday, 28 June 2026, marking the 38th day within the 45-day election period.
Regarding transitional duties, in Pattaya City, 21 May 2026 will be the last working day for council members and the mayor, with the city clerk serving as acting mayor afterward. For Bangkok, according to the 1985 Bangkok Administrative Regulations, the governor whose term has ended continues in office until a successor is appointed. However, if Governor Chadchart Sittipunt wishes to run for re-election, he must resign before his term ends; otherwise, he will immediately face disqualification under local election law (Clause 13).
Candidates must check all 20 disqualifying criteria and prepare key documents, including proof of personal income tax payments for the three consecutive years up to the application year. Anyone knowingly lacking qualifications or possessing disqualifying traits who still runs faces penalties up to 10 years imprisonment, fines between 20,000 and 200,000 baht, and possible voting rights revocation for 10 years. The EC urges all candidates to prepare thoroughly and study the laws strictly to ensure the upcoming election proceeds smoothly and transparently in line with the law's intent.